Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.
A/N: The-Serious-Padfoot: Thank you kind reviewer. Don't worry I have no plans to abandon this fanfic. I love writing it.
Amy: Thank you for the review. I hope you continue to like the angst, by the way thanks so much for classing me as a fellow Elf torturer. It's the first time and I feel very honoured.
Kel: As much as I would love to tell you whether Legolas will be ok or not, that would ruin the story, you'll just have to figure it out or wait for the end.
Wynjara: Well, I'm glad I made you cry (in a nice way of course) I'm so pleased you liked the story. I promise you more angst to come. This is the kind of review I love so much.
Thanks to everyone reading (but don't forget reviewing is good too!)
Ch 16 Preparation
When Legolas awoke Aragorn was by his side in place of Elrond. He stopped a moment allowing his eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight that was steaming through the open windows. The sunlight fell on Legolas' bed making him feel warm and for the first time for several days he felt comfortable. No pain, only that slight aching that always took over his body. He felt calmer than last night at least.
Aragorn leaned forward when he realised Legolas was awake.
"How do you fell?" He asked gently, wondering if he would really get an honest answer to his question anyway.
"Tired. There's no pain though." He smiled and sat up in bed.
"Are you hungry? Can I fetch you something to eat?"
"No thank you. I do wish to speak with Lord Elrond if possible. I must discuss something with him."
Aragorn tried to hide his hurt look on his face and nodded.
"Of course I will fetch him." He said standing and looking down at Legolas who had his eyes closed. Aragorn sighed and left to find Elrond.
Elrond was sitting in his study searching through books that were spread out over his desk. He looked up when Aragorn gently tapped on the door and entered the room.
"I hope I'm not disturbing Ada." Aragorn sat down opposite him.
"Not at all. Is everything alright?" He suddenly sat up straight all his attention on the tired form of Aragorn in front of him.
"I am fine. Legolas wishes to speak to you. He says it is important." Aragorn remained seated absently rubbing his aching head as Elrond rose from his seat and headed towards the door.
Elrond left the room and closed the door giving Aragorn the privacy he needed. He walked swiftly down the halls towards Legolas' room. He prepared himself for the questions he thought Legolas was going to ask before opening the door. When he walked in his eyes automatically went to the bed where he expected Legolas to be lying but there were only rumpled sheets covering the bed. Elrond was very confused but then heard a rustling from the bathroom adjoining the room. He walked immediately to it and entered after gently tapping. Legolas was inside leaning weakly against the basin. He was dressed in a beautiful white tunic with silver trim in the finest detail. The small delicate silver crown was resting on his beautifully shining blonde hair, which had been braided, although slightly clumsily with an exquisite effect. Elrond was completely thrown by this but was just in time to catch Legolas as his legs could hold him up no longer. Gently Elrond helped Legolas to sit on the floor and the Prince nodded to him gratefully.
"Legolas what is going on? You should not be out of bed let alone getting dressed for a royal ceremony." Elrond said pointing to the white tunic, which wasn't yet fastened.
"But there is to be a royal ceremony. My marriage to Aragorn. Isn't that reason enough to wear special clothes?" Legolas smiled at Elrond's shock.
"Your marriage?"
"Yes. It was Aragorn's idea. He has done so much so I thought I would arrange out wedding today. Whilst he was searching for you I spoke to your servants who are ready to prepare everything in the next few hours.with your permission."
"My permission?"
"I would never consider marrying your son without your permission my Lord."
"Of course you have my permission, nothing would make me happier as long as you and my son are happy." He came out of his shocked state and smiled happily.
"Thank you Lord Elrond. I hope you will give your permission to the servants, they insist they will do nothing without your say so."
"Of course, but first you must return to your bed. Wedding or not you are still unwell." Carefully Elrond helped Legolas stand, which was apparently very difficult for the dying Elf.
Eventually, with Elrond's help Legolas was lying on the bed still dressed in his finest clothes.
"I will walk down the aisle tonight Elrond. I will make Aragorn happy."
"I think that as long as you are there Aragorn will be happy."
"I don't know how you are going to do this without him suspecting anything. You know how he always has to know everything."
"Don't worry, everything will be ready and perfect for tonight. I will deal with Estel."
"I think the ceremony should be held outside, under the stars." Legolas said wearily. "Aragorn and I like looking at the stars at night." He had his eyes closed by now and was on the verge of sleep. He remembered Elrond pulling the blanket over him and whispering something to him although he didn't know what it was. After that he fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.
**
Elrond almost ran down the corridor to where the servants were waiting for his approval. He was surprisingly happy about the marriage and even he had had his doubts about the unusual relationship between Legolas and his son. He thought about how he was going to keep all this from Aragorn and manage to get him dressed and ready without him suspecting anything. That was going to be hard and Elrond decided that he would leave that part to Elladan and Elrohir, after swearing them to secrecy of course. He was strangely excited about what was going to happen that night but also slightly nervous. Legolas was still ill; he just hoped that the Prince could summon up enough strength to get through the ceremony although he guessed Legolas would do all that he could.
After a while Elrond had all the servants working quietly on the wedding. He had also told Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen about his plan and they had agreed to him Aragorn 'entertained' whilst the preparations were being made. They also promised to make sure he was in the gardens by 10 o'clock that night. Legolas had insisted that the ceremony be held outside under the stars. Elrond knew this was what Aragorn would want too so he arranged for it to take place outside, with him declaring the official union between Aragorn and Legolas.
Now Elrond was sat in his room at nine o'clock. He was dressed in his finest robes and was preparing to go and wake Legolas who had slept soundly through out the day, much to Elrond's delight. He would need all his strength in one hour.
For the first time that day Elrond began to think about the future and the fact that there would be none for Aragorn and Legolas. Legolas would probably only last a few days more and Aragorn would be left alone, grieving over his dead husband. And yet it had been Estel himself that had made the proposal of marriage and him why had been so enthusiastic about it. Elrond sighed as he thought of the lovers' future, there was little of it but he got the feeling both would enjoy calling each other 'husband' and that was what was important.
**
Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen were sifting through the numerous that were hung in Aragorn's wardrobe but so far they had not found one suitable for such a grand occasion as the man's wedding. They were already dressed in their finest clothes and the excitement was rapidly rising within them although they hid it well from Aragorn who still seemed completely oblivious as to what was going on.
It had not been hard to keep him away from the gardens. They had spent several hours talking merrily in the library about the past and the many adventures with Legolas. Then Aragorn had sat with Legolas all day without suspecting anything was going on, all three of his siblings were especially pleased with themselves for this achievement.
Now Aragorn was sitting on the bed watching them go through his clothes.
"I don't see why we have to go to all this trouble just because Ada is holding some special dinner."
"We've already discussed this, it is vital that you are there. Father wants to make a good impression with these people and he wants us all there and looking good." Elladan said convincingly. It had been his idea to use the dinner story to fool their brother.
"This one is perfect." Arwen pulled out a white tunic trimmed with shining gold, although it wasn't quite as well tailored as Legolas' it was still impressive.
"That one? Arwen I can't go to this important dinner in a tunic that had been at the back of my wardrobe for over two years."
"Nonsense. It's perfect." Arwen held out the tunic to him and he accepted it although slightly angrily.
"I do not see why I should be there if it is Elrond's business. Especially in light of recent events." He buttoned the tunic and admired himself in the mirror.
"It looks amazing Estel." Elrohir beamed. "Perfect, now come, we don't want to be late." He moved to the door.
"No, we wouldn't want that." Aragorn mumbled sarcastically hitting at Arwen's hand, which was brushing his tunic down to make, it absolutely perfect. Little did he know he was going to his own wedding and he still had no idea.
**
Elrond tapped on Legolas' door and stepped inside. Legolas was still sleeping soundly so Elrond went to the bed and shook him gently until he awoke.
"Legolas, it is nearly time." He said smiling at the slightly dazed Prince.
"Already? How long have I been asleep?" He asked, already sitting up.
" Almost all day."
"All day? But I was meant to.the preparations."
"Don't worry it's all been taken care of, everything is ready and Estel knows nothing. It is time we got you ready too."
Elrond leaned forward and quickly buttoned Legolas' tunic and straightened it out. He helped Legolas with his hair and made him look even more stunning. The final touch was the delicate silver crown, which Elrond placed lightly on Legolas' head. He looked at him happily and gave Legolas a nod of approval.
"Thank you." Legolas said as Elrond helped him up. "Thank you for everything."
"There is no need to thank me. Just love Estel, that is all I ask."
"That is a request I will happily agree to." Legolas said as they walked out of the room, Legolas being supported by the arm by Elrond.
They reached the gardens and Legolas gasped when he saw the incredible set up Elrond had produced. There was a small shelter off to one side where the food and wine for the celebration was stored. An alter was erected at the far side with a throne-like chair for Elrond. All around were the most wonderful flowers and structures Legolas had ever seen and he wondered how they all managed to do it all in one day.
"Do you like it?" Elrond asked, seeing the shock and wonder on Legolas' face.
"It's.it's perfect." Legolas smiled looking around and trying to absorb everything he was seeing. There were seats on either side of the alter for the crowd which had already gathered.
"Estel should be here any minute, the twins and Arwen have formed a plan to get him here. I didn't want to know how." Elrond smiled. Legolas was trying so hard to disguise his nervousness but Elrond could see right through the act.
"I want to speak with him first, before we go ahead. I'll meet you at the alter." He smiled at Elrond who was still holding his arm for support. "Once again thank you for making all of this happen."
"I have already told you there is no need to thank me. Now go and meet Estel. This is your special night, enjoy it."
Legolas' smile lasted as he walked away from Elrond. He was trying to stand tall and remain proud but his lasting unsteadiness due to the poison still plagued him and he was already beginning to feel tired and the wedding hadn't even begun. He waited nervously at the spot where he knew Aragorn would be coming.
**
"I thought you said we were attending dinner. Shouldn't we be heading towards the dining halls?" Aragorn asked as they turned towards the entrance of the gardens.
"Estel, stop talking." Elladan said as they rounded the corner and Legolas came into view.
"Legolas? What are you doing here? You should be resting not going to some pointless political dinner. Did Ada put you up to this? I'll go and talk to him." All this was said as Aragorn rushed towards Legolas.
Elladan winked when Aragorn mentioned the political dinner letting Legolas know that it was the story Arwen, Elrohir and himself had come up with. Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir walked straight by when they reached the doors. Legolas nodded his thanks to them.
"Well I suppose if Ada wants you here it must be important. Lets go and see what all this is about." Aragorn took Legolas' hand and reached for the door but Legolas stopped him.
"Wait. There is no political dinner. That was Elrohir's plan probably." Legolas smiled at Aragorn's confused look.
"Than what? Something must be happening. Lets go and find out."
"No, I want to talk to you before we go out there. You're right, tonight is an important night, one I hope you'll never regret or forget."
"Legolas what is going on?"
"Tonight is important because it is the night we are getting married." At this point Legolas swung open the doors to reveal the amazing set for the marriage.
Aragorn stood there staring at the scene in front of him, the sudden soft playing of music brought him out of his shock.
"Come." Legolas said walking him out, still holding his hand. "This was way it's official."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: The-Serious-Padfoot: Thank you kind reviewer. Don't worry I have no plans to abandon this fanfic. I love writing it.
Amy: Thank you for the review. I hope you continue to like the angst, by the way thanks so much for classing me as a fellow Elf torturer. It's the first time and I feel very honoured.
Kel: As much as I would love to tell you whether Legolas will be ok or not, that would ruin the story, you'll just have to figure it out or wait for the end.
Wynjara: Well, I'm glad I made you cry (in a nice way of course) I'm so pleased you liked the story. I promise you more angst to come. This is the kind of review I love so much.
Thanks to everyone reading (but don't forget reviewing is good too!)
Ch 16 Preparation
When Legolas awoke Aragorn was by his side in place of Elrond. He stopped a moment allowing his eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight that was steaming through the open windows. The sunlight fell on Legolas' bed making him feel warm and for the first time for several days he felt comfortable. No pain, only that slight aching that always took over his body. He felt calmer than last night at least.
Aragorn leaned forward when he realised Legolas was awake.
"How do you fell?" He asked gently, wondering if he would really get an honest answer to his question anyway.
"Tired. There's no pain though." He smiled and sat up in bed.
"Are you hungry? Can I fetch you something to eat?"
"No thank you. I do wish to speak with Lord Elrond if possible. I must discuss something with him."
Aragorn tried to hide his hurt look on his face and nodded.
"Of course I will fetch him." He said standing and looking down at Legolas who had his eyes closed. Aragorn sighed and left to find Elrond.
Elrond was sitting in his study searching through books that were spread out over his desk. He looked up when Aragorn gently tapped on the door and entered the room.
"I hope I'm not disturbing Ada." Aragorn sat down opposite him.
"Not at all. Is everything alright?" He suddenly sat up straight all his attention on the tired form of Aragorn in front of him.
"I am fine. Legolas wishes to speak to you. He says it is important." Aragorn remained seated absently rubbing his aching head as Elrond rose from his seat and headed towards the door.
Elrond left the room and closed the door giving Aragorn the privacy he needed. He walked swiftly down the halls towards Legolas' room. He prepared himself for the questions he thought Legolas was going to ask before opening the door. When he walked in his eyes automatically went to the bed where he expected Legolas to be lying but there were only rumpled sheets covering the bed. Elrond was very confused but then heard a rustling from the bathroom adjoining the room. He walked immediately to it and entered after gently tapping. Legolas was inside leaning weakly against the basin. He was dressed in a beautiful white tunic with silver trim in the finest detail. The small delicate silver crown was resting on his beautifully shining blonde hair, which had been braided, although slightly clumsily with an exquisite effect. Elrond was completely thrown by this but was just in time to catch Legolas as his legs could hold him up no longer. Gently Elrond helped Legolas to sit on the floor and the Prince nodded to him gratefully.
"Legolas what is going on? You should not be out of bed let alone getting dressed for a royal ceremony." Elrond said pointing to the white tunic, which wasn't yet fastened.
"But there is to be a royal ceremony. My marriage to Aragorn. Isn't that reason enough to wear special clothes?" Legolas smiled at Elrond's shock.
"Your marriage?"
"Yes. It was Aragorn's idea. He has done so much so I thought I would arrange out wedding today. Whilst he was searching for you I spoke to your servants who are ready to prepare everything in the next few hours.with your permission."
"My permission?"
"I would never consider marrying your son without your permission my Lord."
"Of course you have my permission, nothing would make me happier as long as you and my son are happy." He came out of his shocked state and smiled happily.
"Thank you Lord Elrond. I hope you will give your permission to the servants, they insist they will do nothing without your say so."
"Of course, but first you must return to your bed. Wedding or not you are still unwell." Carefully Elrond helped Legolas stand, which was apparently very difficult for the dying Elf.
Eventually, with Elrond's help Legolas was lying on the bed still dressed in his finest clothes.
"I will walk down the aisle tonight Elrond. I will make Aragorn happy."
"I think that as long as you are there Aragorn will be happy."
"I don't know how you are going to do this without him suspecting anything. You know how he always has to know everything."
"Don't worry, everything will be ready and perfect for tonight. I will deal with Estel."
"I think the ceremony should be held outside, under the stars." Legolas said wearily. "Aragorn and I like looking at the stars at night." He had his eyes closed by now and was on the verge of sleep. He remembered Elrond pulling the blanket over him and whispering something to him although he didn't know what it was. After that he fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.
**
Elrond almost ran down the corridor to where the servants were waiting for his approval. He was surprisingly happy about the marriage and even he had had his doubts about the unusual relationship between Legolas and his son. He thought about how he was going to keep all this from Aragorn and manage to get him dressed and ready without him suspecting anything. That was going to be hard and Elrond decided that he would leave that part to Elladan and Elrohir, after swearing them to secrecy of course. He was strangely excited about what was going to happen that night but also slightly nervous. Legolas was still ill; he just hoped that the Prince could summon up enough strength to get through the ceremony although he guessed Legolas would do all that he could.
After a while Elrond had all the servants working quietly on the wedding. He had also told Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen about his plan and they had agreed to him Aragorn 'entertained' whilst the preparations were being made. They also promised to make sure he was in the gardens by 10 o'clock that night. Legolas had insisted that the ceremony be held outside under the stars. Elrond knew this was what Aragorn would want too so he arranged for it to take place outside, with him declaring the official union between Aragorn and Legolas.
Now Elrond was sat in his room at nine o'clock. He was dressed in his finest robes and was preparing to go and wake Legolas who had slept soundly through out the day, much to Elrond's delight. He would need all his strength in one hour.
For the first time that day Elrond began to think about the future and the fact that there would be none for Aragorn and Legolas. Legolas would probably only last a few days more and Aragorn would be left alone, grieving over his dead husband. And yet it had been Estel himself that had made the proposal of marriage and him why had been so enthusiastic about it. Elrond sighed as he thought of the lovers' future, there was little of it but he got the feeling both would enjoy calling each other 'husband' and that was what was important.
**
Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen were sifting through the numerous that were hung in Aragorn's wardrobe but so far they had not found one suitable for such a grand occasion as the man's wedding. They were already dressed in their finest clothes and the excitement was rapidly rising within them although they hid it well from Aragorn who still seemed completely oblivious as to what was going on.
It had not been hard to keep him away from the gardens. They had spent several hours talking merrily in the library about the past and the many adventures with Legolas. Then Aragorn had sat with Legolas all day without suspecting anything was going on, all three of his siblings were especially pleased with themselves for this achievement.
Now Aragorn was sitting on the bed watching them go through his clothes.
"I don't see why we have to go to all this trouble just because Ada is holding some special dinner."
"We've already discussed this, it is vital that you are there. Father wants to make a good impression with these people and he wants us all there and looking good." Elladan said convincingly. It had been his idea to use the dinner story to fool their brother.
"This one is perfect." Arwen pulled out a white tunic trimmed with shining gold, although it wasn't quite as well tailored as Legolas' it was still impressive.
"That one? Arwen I can't go to this important dinner in a tunic that had been at the back of my wardrobe for over two years."
"Nonsense. It's perfect." Arwen held out the tunic to him and he accepted it although slightly angrily.
"I do not see why I should be there if it is Elrond's business. Especially in light of recent events." He buttoned the tunic and admired himself in the mirror.
"It looks amazing Estel." Elrohir beamed. "Perfect, now come, we don't want to be late." He moved to the door.
"No, we wouldn't want that." Aragorn mumbled sarcastically hitting at Arwen's hand, which was brushing his tunic down to make, it absolutely perfect. Little did he know he was going to his own wedding and he still had no idea.
**
Elrond tapped on Legolas' door and stepped inside. Legolas was still sleeping soundly so Elrond went to the bed and shook him gently until he awoke.
"Legolas, it is nearly time." He said smiling at the slightly dazed Prince.
"Already? How long have I been asleep?" He asked, already sitting up.
" Almost all day."
"All day? But I was meant to.the preparations."
"Don't worry it's all been taken care of, everything is ready and Estel knows nothing. It is time we got you ready too."
Elrond leaned forward and quickly buttoned Legolas' tunic and straightened it out. He helped Legolas with his hair and made him look even more stunning. The final touch was the delicate silver crown, which Elrond placed lightly on Legolas' head. He looked at him happily and gave Legolas a nod of approval.
"Thank you." Legolas said as Elrond helped him up. "Thank you for everything."
"There is no need to thank me. Just love Estel, that is all I ask."
"That is a request I will happily agree to." Legolas said as they walked out of the room, Legolas being supported by the arm by Elrond.
They reached the gardens and Legolas gasped when he saw the incredible set up Elrond had produced. There was a small shelter off to one side where the food and wine for the celebration was stored. An alter was erected at the far side with a throne-like chair for Elrond. All around were the most wonderful flowers and structures Legolas had ever seen and he wondered how they all managed to do it all in one day.
"Do you like it?" Elrond asked, seeing the shock and wonder on Legolas' face.
"It's.it's perfect." Legolas smiled looking around and trying to absorb everything he was seeing. There were seats on either side of the alter for the crowd which had already gathered.
"Estel should be here any minute, the twins and Arwen have formed a plan to get him here. I didn't want to know how." Elrond smiled. Legolas was trying so hard to disguise his nervousness but Elrond could see right through the act.
"I want to speak with him first, before we go ahead. I'll meet you at the alter." He smiled at Elrond who was still holding his arm for support. "Once again thank you for making all of this happen."
"I have already told you there is no need to thank me. Now go and meet Estel. This is your special night, enjoy it."
Legolas' smile lasted as he walked away from Elrond. He was trying to stand tall and remain proud but his lasting unsteadiness due to the poison still plagued him and he was already beginning to feel tired and the wedding hadn't even begun. He waited nervously at the spot where he knew Aragorn would be coming.
**
"I thought you said we were attending dinner. Shouldn't we be heading towards the dining halls?" Aragorn asked as they turned towards the entrance of the gardens.
"Estel, stop talking." Elladan said as they rounded the corner and Legolas came into view.
"Legolas? What are you doing here? You should be resting not going to some pointless political dinner. Did Ada put you up to this? I'll go and talk to him." All this was said as Aragorn rushed towards Legolas.
Elladan winked when Aragorn mentioned the political dinner letting Legolas know that it was the story Arwen, Elrohir and himself had come up with. Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir walked straight by when they reached the doors. Legolas nodded his thanks to them.
"Well I suppose if Ada wants you here it must be important. Lets go and see what all this is about." Aragorn took Legolas' hand and reached for the door but Legolas stopped him.
"Wait. There is no political dinner. That was Elrohir's plan probably." Legolas smiled at Aragorn's confused look.
"Than what? Something must be happening. Lets go and find out."
"No, I want to talk to you before we go out there. You're right, tonight is an important night, one I hope you'll never regret or forget."
"Legolas what is going on?"
"Tonight is important because it is the night we are getting married." At this point Legolas swung open the doors to reveal the amazing set for the marriage.
Aragorn stood there staring at the scene in front of him, the sudden soft playing of music brought him out of his shock.
"Come." Legolas said walking him out, still holding his hand. "This was way it's official."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*